Euro 2024: Julian Nagelsmann lauds ‘extraordinary’ Toni Kroos after ‘really sad’ tournament exit to Spain
ByTNT Sports
Published 05/07/2024 at 22:57 GMT+1
Germany were eliminated from Euro 2024 on Friday evening when they suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Spain. The hosts had been one of the most impressive sides of the competition so far, but they were unable to progress to the last four. Speaking after the loss, coach Julian Nagelsmann praised his squad in general and also picked out Toni Kroos, who has now retired.
'We have unlocked a great tool' - Stones on England's spirit after last-gasp showing against
Video credit: SNTV
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann lamented his team’s exit at the hands of Spain at Euro 2024 but praised the “extraordinary” Toni Kroos.
Kroos played his final game of professional football on Friday night as Germany suffered a 2-1 defeat in extra time against Spain.
The hosts had been one of the pre-tournament favourites and their match against Spain was a keenly matched affair.
Real Madrid midfielder Kroos had announced that he would retire from club and country after making a return to the national side, meaning when Germany were eliminated, then that would be it for a stellar career.
The Germans had been one of the most impressive teams of the tournament so far, and speaking after their exit, manager Nagelsmann was hugely disappointed.
He said: I'm really sad for the team, because I am convinced that we invested very much in order to qualify for the next round and not as many times as before, like in September also. We tried to play a good game and afterwards we left and going back home.”
He praised his players for their determination, adding: “No, this time I really had the feeling that every player - regardless of whether he was in the starting 11 or on the bench - there was not one single second where one of my players didn't invest anything.
“Today you saw all of our bench were on their feet towards the end. So yeah, it's really hurting, and I'm hurting for my team."
Turning to 34-year-old Kroos, Nagelsmann was effusive in his praise.
"Well, the career of Toni Kroos, you can't appreciate it enough,” he said of the veteran, who added another Liga and Champions League medal to his record this season.
“I think what everyone sees and what is quite obvious with all of his success - which are extraordinary probably for a German player, maybe for eternity - for sure, one of the biggest players from Germany.
“I can say frankly that I thought it was weird that in the weeks before [Euro 2024] when it was known that I want to get him back [in the Germany squad], I think there was no one who thought that this was a good idea.
“And after he came back, everyone said: 'Ah yeah, I had this idea for a long time. Why does the national team coach only do it now?' So of course, everyone knows his successes in sport.
“What many people maybe do not know so well is his character as a person. For example, how he talked to the team in a very difficult and sad moment for himself.
“The role he takes for himself, which is not a role of being special, but he is seeing himself always as part of this group. And his human kindness also, which he has with his wife, with his children, with his team-mates.
“It's really extraordinary. So yeah, to assess that career for me, this career is even bigger than six Champions League titles."
- - -
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Share this article
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement